2546 Cafe (HK-style on San Bruno Ave.): Anyone tried it?

In nosing around San Bruno Avenue today (see separate review of Zone 88) I spotted a very new-looking place called 2546 Cafe and picked up a takeout menu. The menu is divided into a "Baked Rice or Spaghetti" section with the usual suspects (pork chops in various guises, chicken and corn, black pepper beef, etc); "Sandwiches"; "Chef Specials" (more conventional Cantonese/HK entrees at 3/$18.28 including soup and rice); "Rice Plate" a looong list all at $4.95 (11AM to 5 PM); "Porridge, Noodle and Rice" (only noodles are called out, very HK with macaroni, instant noodles, etc.); and "Drinks" (all the HK standards).

It's an attractive looking place, consistent with the apparent gentrification of the northern portion of the San Bruno strip. There's also a new Sugar Bowl Bakery offshoot ("Yummy Bowl") and a (new?) Quickly outlet to compete with the Lolocup down the street.

i've tried some of the 'chef's specials' and it was all pretty competent. the one that comes to mind is the tofu/chicken/salty fish clay pot, which was a very generous serving of big chunky tofu, tender chicken bits, and sparse nubs of salty fish. but of course, a little salty fish goes a long way. it was served very hot and delivered freshness and balanced flavor in a satisfying package. i ate plenty, but there was so much i think more than half wound up in the takeout box for manana.

and they also offer complementary daily soup.

several blocks further down the street (south) there's a bakery with pretty good cha siu bow.

i would agree that the overall trajectory is upwards on this strip, but there are still quite a few old duds too.

I also agree that 2546's food is pretty solid; nothing spectacular, but considering the price you pay and the range of options you have, it's pretty decent. It's always packed around lunchtime in the weekend.